Talladega's mayor says a recent assault outside a barbershop where he works part time won't derail the final push of his re-election campaign.
Talladega Mayor Larry Barton was attacked August eighth in Vestavia Hills, roughly 55 miles east of his city, where municipal elections are set for August twenty-fifth.
Police have said 71-year-old Benny Green has been charged with assault in the attack. Police have not released details on his motive.
Barton is dismissing rumors that an affair with Green's wife were the root cause of the beating and says the attack may have been an attempt to smear him before the upcoming election.
The physical attack on Barton has garnered national attention in recent days.